Paws in usual proceedings for dogs at Leeds cinema

That was the invitation extended to dog owners in Leeds, which got tails wagging at Hyde Park Picture House this weekend.

From beagles to bulldogs, canines of all shapes and sizes pottered into the cinema on Saturday for a special screening of the new Isle of Dogs movie.

The dystopian animated film, by Wes Anderson, follows a boy searching for his dog after the entire species is banished to an island over an outbreak of illness.

Cinema bosses organised the unique screening - for owners whose pets are comfortable with large groups - to help raise money for Dogs Trust in Leeds.

“It was really well attended and there was a good crowd,” said Josef Wyczynski, deputy house manager at the cinema.

“I was there with my dog Walter and we managed to keep him relatively quiet and everyone else was good too.

“There is a scene in the movie where dogs start reminiscing and howling, and the dogs in our audience started joining in as well which was nice to see.”

Mr Wyczynski’s terrier-cross Walter, now two, came from Dogs Trust in Leeds.

“We haven’t done anything like this before,” the 34-year old, of Cookridge, said.

“We do special screenings for new parents with babies and this is of a similar vein as that, for people who don’t have a chance to go to the cinema because their dog would be on their own.

“It’s a nice way of expanding cinema.”

After the sell-out at the weekend, a second screening had been organised for Saturday but now that has sold out too.

Mr Wyczynski said plans are now in the pipeline for more dog-friendly screenings in the future following the success of the inaugural event at the picture house.

Bucket collections were held for Dogs Trust Leeds during the screening.

Volunteers from the rehoming centre spoke to viewers and showed an introduction film before the movie, showcasing the vital work carried out by the charity in Leeds.

It has a dedicated team that cares for, supports, and helps to find new homes for hundreds of dogs every year.

Visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for more information.